In my thread about rope clutches, Bob stated I should use life caulk vs. 5200. What's the diffrence? He stated he wouldn't use 5200, but from everything I read it is the best, and most hated item to use. Is life caulk better, or is it just easier to work with? I'd rather work with something that needs a little more time then something that wont work as well. Josh
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R.W.Landau
Josh
Trust him. You will find it hard to rebed (even remove) any part you set in 5200. Life caulk is a wonderful substance that stays soft while still sealing everything it touches. r.w.landau
Trust him. You will find it hard to rebed (even remove) any part you set in 5200. Life caulk is a wonderful substance that stays soft while still sealing everything it touches. r.w.landau
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Bob
There is a purpose for all compounds...
...5200 is terrific for rebedding things that are to be, more or less, permanent. However, for rebedding things that you may need to change due to wear and tear, i.e. rope clutches, thru-hulls, winches, and other assorted deck hardware, Life Caulk is the way to go. It remains pliable and facilitates easy removal. Cheers, Bob
...5200 is terrific for rebedding things that are to be, more or less, permanent. However, for rebedding things that you may need to change due to wear and tear, i.e. rope clutches, thru-hulls, winches, and other assorted deck hardware, Life Caulk is the way to go. It remains pliable and facilitates easy removal. Cheers, Bob
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Josh
Valid point...
You bring up a valid point about the possible wearing out of equipment that I hadn't thought of. I had read about 5200 being a major pain, but have also found somewhat easy methods of removal without damaging the underlying fiberglass. Hmm, brings a whole know spin to things. Didn't think about equipment wearing out. May have to come up with a better way of mounting things... The reason I had wanted to use 5200 was the exact reason you suggest not. It's tenacity to stay where it's put. The fact that a rope clutch might break or the like hadn't crossed my mind. I'll have to see what I can come up with, perhaps some sort of quick disconnect system for equipment. Heh, that would be kind of interesting. If everything had a standard type of quick disconnect, you could bed the base with 5200, and then place whatever item you needed at the time wherever you needed it. Of course, that makes too much sense doesn't it? Josh
You bring up a valid point about the possible wearing out of equipment that I hadn't thought of. I had read about 5200 being a major pain, but have also found somewhat easy methods of removal without damaging the underlying fiberglass. Hmm, brings a whole know spin to things. Didn't think about equipment wearing out. May have to come up with a better way of mounting things... The reason I had wanted to use 5200 was the exact reason you suggest not. It's tenacity to stay where it's put. The fact that a rope clutch might break or the like hadn't crossed my mind. I'll have to see what I can come up with, perhaps some sort of quick disconnect system for equipment. Heh, that would be kind of interesting. If everything had a standard type of quick disconnect, you could bed the base with 5200, and then place whatever item you needed at the time wherever you needed it. Of course, that makes too much sense doesn't it? Josh
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Bob
Don't forget, Josh...
...you have nuts and bolts to keep things put...the Life Caulk just keeps the water out. Cheers, Bob
...you have nuts and bolts to keep things put...the Life Caulk just keeps the water out. Cheers, Bob
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Josh
Yes but...
The problem with caulk/gasket is that with the stresses on a sailboat the seals often break. Once the seal is broken, even the slightest bit can cause a large amount of water to flow. I like the idea of 5200 because of it's adhesion. If a chainplate pulls up on it, it's not going to loose it's seal. The question I have now, does life caulk have the same adhesive qualities? Apart from personal preferences, what are the actual diffrences between the two? Flexibility, adhesion, durability, etc? Josh
The problem with caulk/gasket is that with the stresses on a sailboat the seals often break. Once the seal is broken, even the slightest bit can cause a large amount of water to flow. I like the idea of 5200 because of it's adhesion. If a chainplate pulls up on it, it's not going to loose it's seal. The question I have now, does life caulk have the same adhesive qualities? Apart from personal preferences, what are the actual diffrences between the two? Flexibility, adhesion, durability, etc? Josh
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R.W.Landau
That is why you use life caulk
Josh, Life caulk remains soft and it adheres to the parts. It is like very sticky chewing gum. If parts do move the life caulk remains adhered. That is why silicone is not a good produce to use. It hardened then the seal breaks if something moves. My only grip about 5200 is the permanence of it. If you put your rails down in that stuff you will be buying new ones if you ever they to remove them. It is hard enough remove rails set in life caulk. r.w.landau
Josh, Life caulk remains soft and it adheres to the parts. It is like very sticky chewing gum. If parts do move the life caulk remains adhered. That is why silicone is not a good produce to use. It hardened then the seal breaks if something moves. My only grip about 5200 is the permanence of it. If you put your rails down in that stuff you will be buying new ones if you ever they to remove them. It is hard enough remove rails set in life caulk. r.w.landau
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Josh
5200 doesnt stay flexible??
5200 doesnt stay flexible? If not then I have been misinformed! Eep...well life caulk it is! Something I can find at Westmarine? Who is the manufacturer of it? Josh
5200 doesnt stay flexible? If not then I have been misinformed! Eep...well life caulk it is! Something I can find at Westmarine? Who is the manufacturer of it? Josh
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